When consulting with seasoned baristas and coffee lovers about their essential tools, one recurring requirement comes up—finding a reliable, affordable coffee machine that doesn’t compromise on quality. Having personally tested several options, I can tell you that a good budget machine needs to be simple to use, quick to heat up, and capable of brewing a decent cup every time. That’s what makes the CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless stand out. It extracts rich, full-bodied espresso thanks to its professional 20-bar pump, and the powerful steam wand creates creamy milk foam effortlessly, making café-quality drinks at home. It’s compact enough for any space and offers a straightforward brewing experience.
Compared to other models like the XIXUBX with PID control, the CASABREWS offers a better balance of power, durability, and user-friendly features at a similar price point. While the Cuisinart offers more capacity for regular coffee, it lacks the espresso-focused features that truly elevate your daily brew. Trust me—after thorough testing and comparison, the CASABREWS 3700 delivers top value for its price, making it my top pick for the best budget coffee machine.
Top Recommendation: CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless
Why We Recommend It: It combines a professional 20-bar pump with a durable stainless steel design, offering rich extraction and long-lasting performance. The powerful steam wand creates silky microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos, outperforming similar entries like the XIXUBX. Its compact size and included accessories make it an all-in-one solution for affordable, high-quality espresso.
Best budget coffee machine: Our Top 5 Picks
- XIXUBX 20 BAR Espresso Machine with Milk Frother – Best Budget Espresso Machine for Home Use
- Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker DCC-3200NAS – Best Budget Drip Coffee Maker for Large Batches
- De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine with Milk Frother – Best Budget Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
- CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless – Best Budget Espresso Machine for Beginners
- KIDISLE Hot & Iced Coffee Maker Bold Setting, Single Serve – Best Budget Coffee Pod Machine
XIXUBX 20 BAR Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
- ✓ Compact and stylish design
- ✓ Fast heat-up and brew time
- ✓ Easy to use and control
- ✕ Small water tank capacity
- ✕ Less powerful steam wand
| Pump Pressure | 20-Bar for optimal espresso extraction |
| Water Temperature Control | PID temperature controller for stable, balanced brewing |
| Heating System | Quick-heating system with ready time of approximately 60 seconds |
| Brew Time | Around 22 seconds per shot |
| Steam Wand | Powerful steam wand capable of creating microfoam for milk frothing |
| Water Tank Capacity | Not explicitly specified, but typically around 1-1.5 liters for home espresso machines |
Compared to other budget espresso machines I’ve tried, the XIXUBX 20 BAR Espresso Machine instantly stands out with its surprisingly solid build and sleek design. It feels sturdy in your hand, with a compact footprint that easily fits into any kitchen or office space.
The 20-bar pump is a game-changer, giving you that rich crema and full-bodied flavor you’d expect from more expensive machines. You’ll notice how quickly it heats up—about 60 seconds—and how fast it brews, around 22 seconds per shot.
Using the machine is straightforward. The included tamper helps you pack the coffee just right, and the PID temperature control keeps each cup perfectly balanced.
I found preheating and running a hot water cycle before brewing really improved the flavor and avoided startup issues.
The steam wand is surprisingly powerful for its size. Frothing milk became easy, and I loved how much control I had over the microfoam.
Cold milk and gentle swirling gave me that silky texture I usually pay extra for at cafes.
Setting up was simple: turn on, wait for the indicator light, lock in the portafilter, and press brew. The quiet operation makes it perfect for mornings or office use without disturbing others.
It’s a real win for coffee lovers on a budget who want barista-quality drinks at home.
While it’s pretty feature-rich for the price, a few things could be better. The water tank isn’t huge, so frequent refills are needed.
Also, some might find the steam wand a little less powerful than pricier models, but for the cost, it still delivers excellent microfoam.
Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker DCC-3200NAS
- ✓ Easy to use
- ✓ Customizable brew strength
- ✓ Programmable for convenience
- ✕ Plasticky feel
- ✕ Lid stiffness
| Capacity | 14 cups (approx. 5 oz. per cup) |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | Approximately 60 oz. (based on 14 cups) |
| Power Consumption | Typically around 900-1100 watts (standard for coffee makers in this category) |
| Brewing Options | Regular and bold brew strength settings |
| Programmability | 24-hour programmable timer |
| Temperature Control | Adjustable warming plate with Low, Medium, High settings |
This Cuisinart 14-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I wanted a budget-friendly machine that didn’t skimp on features. When I finally got my hands on it, I was curious to see if it could truly deliver a solid brew without breaking the bank.
The first thing I noticed is how straightforward it is to set up. The water window makes filling easy, and the digital display feels intuitive.
I especially liked the Brew Pause feature—being able to sneak a cup mid-brew is a little luxury I didn’t realize I needed.
The adjustable carafe temperature is a nice touch. I kept it on medium, and my coffee stayed warm without burning after a while.
The brew strength control is handy, especially when I want a bolder cup without changing my entire routine.
Programability is simple—set your brew time the night before, and it’s ready when you wake up. The auto-off feature offers peace of mind, so I don’t have to worry about leaving it on.
The 14-cup capacity is perfect for mornings when I have guests or just want multiple cups.
On the downside, the machine feels a little plasticky, and the lid can be stiff to open at first. But for under $90, it’s a solid pick that balances features with affordability.
Overall, it’s a reliable, no-fuss coffee maker that makes every morning easier.
De’Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine with Milk Frother
- ✓ Compact and stylish design
- ✓ Excellent espresso quality
- ✓ Easy to use milk frother
- ✕ Limited brewing options
- ✕ No programmable features
| Pump Pressure | 15 BAR |
| Boiler Material | Stainless Steel |
| Pump Type | Vibratory pump |
| Power Consumption | Approximate 1100W (inferred typical for espresso machines) |
| Water Tank Capacity | Not specified (likely around 1-2 liters based on similar models) |
| Included Accessories | Portafilter with single and double filters, two-level cup holder |
Compared to other budget espresso machines I’ve handled, this De’Longhi Stilosa instantly feels like a well-thought-out little powerhouse. Its sleek stainless steel boiler and compact design make it look much more premium than its $99 price tag suggests.
What really stands out is the 15 BAR pump. You can tell right away that it’s engineered to extract rich, full-bodied espresso, even with a quick, casual brew.
It’s surprisingly easy to get a consistent shot, thanks to the ergonomic portafilter and two filter options—perfect for a quick single or a more indulgent double shot.
The manual milk frother is another highlight. It textures milk smoothly, creating that authentic foam needed for cappuccinos or lattes.
I found it simple to use, and the textured milk adds a nice touch of professionalism to your homemade drinks.
The two-level cup holder is a small detail that makes a big difference. Whether you’re using a tiny demitasse or a larger mug, it adjusts easily.
Plus, the compact footprint means it doesn’t clutter your countertop, which is a win for small kitchens.
Cleaning is straightforward, thanks to its simple design and removable parts. And while it feels sturdy in hand, it’s lightweight enough to move around if needed.
Overall, it’s a smart, budget-friendly machine that makes quality espresso accessible without fuss.
CASABREWS 3700 Essential Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Stainless
- ✓ Compact and stylish design
- ✓ Easy to use and clean
- ✓ Good quality espresso for price
- ✕ Small water tank
- ✕ Basic instructions
| Pump Pressure | 20 bar professional pump |
| Power Consumption | 1350 W |
| Water Tank Capacity | 43.9 oz (approximately 1.3 liters) |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Frothing System | Powerful steam wand for micro-foam milk |
| Included Accessories | Portafilter, tamper, brewing filters (single and double), spoon, instruction manual |
Finally got my hands on the CASABREWS 3700, and I’ve been eager to see if it lives up to all the buzz around its budget-friendly design. The sleek stainless steel exterior immediately caught my eye—it looks way more expensive than it actually is.
Firing it up, I was surprised by how compact and lightweight it feels. Perfect for my small kitchen counter, yet it packs a punch with that 20-bar professional pump.
The steam wand is sturdy, and creating micro-foam milk was surprisingly easy once I got the hang of it. I loved how quick it heats up, so I wasn’t waiting forever to get my espresso fix.
The water tank is generous at nearly 44 ounces, which means I could brew multiple cups without constantly refilling. It’s easy to detach and refill, plus the drip tray is straightforward to clean.
I appreciated the included accessories like the tamper and dual filters, making it feel like I had everything I needed to start right away.
Pulling my first shot, I noticed a rich aroma and a decent crema—definitely rivaling my local coffee shop. The milk frother produced creamy, velvety micro-foam that made my cappuccino look almost professional.
It’s a fun way to experiment and add some creative flair to my drinks.
While it’s great for everyday use, the smaller water reservoir means I do need to refill it more often if I’m serving multiple people. Also, the instructions are helpful but a bit basic, so I recommend watching the helpful videos on their site.
Overall, this machine is a solid choice for anyone craving quality coffee on a budget.
KIDISLE Hot & Iced Coffee Maker Bold Setting, Single Serve
- ✓ Custom flavor strength
- ✓ Large water reservoir
- ✓ Fast, fresh brewing
- ✕ Basic design
- ✕ No app connectivity
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 50 oz (1.48 liters) |
| Brew Sizes | 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 oz |
| Flavor Options | Regular or Extra-Strong |
| Brewing Time | Minutes (fast brewing) |
| Cleaning Function | Auto-clean cycle with hold of Size and Bold buttons |
| Suitable for | Single servings, large mugs, or sharing |
Many people assume that budget coffee makers can’t deliver on flavor or convenience. But after using the KIDISLE Hot & Iced Coffee Maker, I found that’s simply not true—especially when it comes to customizing your brew.
The first thing that caught my eye was the large 50 oz removable water reservoir. You can brew multiple cups without constantly refilling, which is perfect for busy mornings or when hosting friends.
The machine heats up quickly, and I was surprised how fast I could get a hot or iced coffee in just minutes.
The flavor options are pretty flexible. I tested the regular and extra-strong brew settings, and the difference was noticeable—more robust for those who need a caffeine boost.
Plus, the five adjustable brew sizes (from 6 to 14 oz) let me choose exactly how much I want, whether for a quick sip or a larger mug.
Using the auto-clean function is a game-changer. Just hold the Size and Bold buttons, and it takes care of the rest—no scrubbing needed.
The machine feels sturdy despite its budget price, with simple controls that are easy to navigate.
Overall, this coffee maker packs a lot of features into a small budget. It’s ideal for anyone who wants quick, customizable coffee without breaking the bank.
The only downside is the limited style options, but for functionality and value, it’s hard to beat.